MPs allowed to expense taxis to Parliament amid threats from protestors

469     0
The Met will increase its presence around parliament as MPs fear being attacked by pro-Palestine protestors.
The Met will increase its presence around parliament as MPs fear being attacked by pro-Palestine protestors.

MPs will temporarily be able to expense cabs from their London homes to Parliament to avoid abusive protestors.

In an email to politicians, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle announced expenses rules will be relaxed from today amid a spike in threats from activists.

MPs will be allowed to expense taxes to Parliament amid a spike in threats linked to the war in Israel and Gaza qhiquzidquidzzprw
MPs will be allowed to expense taxes to Parliament amid a spike in threats linked to the war in Israel and GazaCredit: Getty

There will also be an increased police presence around Parliament.

Over the past week MPs have been taunted by pro-Palestine demonstrators and had their offices vandalised because they didn't vote for an immediate ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.

Shadow Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens' Cardiff office was sprayed with the word "murderer" in red paint.

Spectacular New Year fireworks light up London sky as huge crowds celebrate across UK for first time in three yearsSpectacular New Year fireworks light up London sky as huge crowds celebrate across UK for first time in three years

And protestors gathered outside the office of Labour MP Rushanara Ali yelling that she had "blood" on her hands.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has held discussions with police to guarantee the safety of Labour politicians who voted with Sir Keir Starmer for a prolonged humanitarian pause in the region, rather than a total end to Israel's mission to defeat Hamas terrorists.

In his letter, Sir Lindsay said: "As you know, the safety and security of all colleagues is a top priority for me, especially considering the heightened community tensions, significant increase in protest activity and spike in abusive and threatening behaviour towards members.

"The Met Police have also agreed to extend the high visibility uniformed patrols outside the estate perimeter on sitting days, covering key access points.

"I will continue to prioritise these matters over the coming months with the Parliamentary Security Department."

Yesterday Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves slammed aggressive Gaza activists who attacked MPs over the ceasefire vote.

She told the BBC: "I believe in the right to protest, I don't believe in the right to intimidate, and some of those protests… I believe have crossed the line from protest to intimidation.

"Protesting outside people's homes, putting pressure on them in that way I think is totally unacceptable.

"I would urge those people who are conducting those protests, I understand why you call for a ceasefire, but do things in a responsible way and don't intimidate or put pressure in that way on elected representatives or anyone else for that matter."

Noa Hoffman

London, Police, Parliament, Labour Party, House of Commons, Crime, Conservative Party

Read more similar news:

01.01.2023, 08:44 • Showbiz
Robbie Williams poised to launch his own brand of energy drinks to rival Prime
01.01.2023, 11:39 • UK News
New Year's Day swimmers take chilly early morning dip to welcome 2023
01.01.2023, 11:57 • UK News
London, New York and Europe welcome New Year; plus pics from around the world
01.01.2023, 12:12 • Tech
Selfish drivers mount pavement outside family homes putting pedestrians at risk
01.01.2023, 12:29 • Crime
Crowds crash barriers at London NYE - while cops run over & huge rave busted
01.01.2023, 14:08 • Investigation
All about Rachel Nickell who was murdered in front of her son Alex Hanscombe
01.01.2023, 16:19 • Sport
I starred at the World Cup and almost beat France - now I'm homeless in London
01.01.2023, 18:22 • Sport
Potter's boys drop more points as Aurier's leveller makes it one win in eight
01.01.2023, 23:06 • UK News
NYE revellers turned away from London party boat after cock-up by organisers
02.01.2023, 09:21 • Money
I live on one of the UK’s ‘cheapest streets’... but it won’t last for long